Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

It is true that when considering energy policy across government you need to consider how different programs interact. That is one of the reasons the government believes in market mechanisms—that is, a carbon price—and why some of the subsidy programs would not be regarded as complementary to a carbon price. We do have additional programs that we think are appropriate, such as the Renewable Energy Target and the various aspects of the clean energy package, which the senator would be aware of, and that are designed to support jobs and competitiveness in Australia. I am also advised that the government has released a draft energy white paper, which is intended to bring together on a strategic basis the government's approach to energy policy, particularly in light of the commencement of a carbon price.